Ecclesiastes 7:23-24
Ecclesiastes 7:23-25 The Message (MSG)
I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me, far beyond me, and deep—oh so deep! Does anyone ever find it? I concentrated with all my might, studying and exploring and seeking wisdom—the meaning of life. I also wanted to identify evil and stupidity, foolishness and craziness.
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 King James Version (KJV)
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it?
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 New Century Version (NCV)
I used wisdom to test all these things. I wanted to be wise, but it was too hard for me. I cannot understand why things are as they are. It is too hard for anyone to understand.
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 American Standard Version (ASV)
All this have I proved in wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. That which is, is far off and exceeding deep; who can find it out?
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 New International Version (NIV)
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”— but this was beyond me. Whatever exists is far off and most profound— who can discover it?
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 New King James Version (NKJV)
All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise”; But it was far from me. As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep, Who can find it out?
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 Amplified Bible (AMP)
I have tested all this with wisdom. I said, “I will be wise [independently of God],” but true wisdom was far from me. Whatever has been is far off, deeply remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it [for it is beyond the grasp of man]? [Job 28:12-28; 1 Cor 2:9-16]